Doctor Turned Dealer: STF Busts High-End Drug Hub in Hyderabad, Three Suspects Absconding

Telangana's Excise Special Task Force (STF) has dismantled a sophisticated drug trafficking ring operating across Hyderabad after raiding the rented residence of a postgraduate doctor in Musheerabad, unearthing a central hub for distribution that highlights the insidious infiltration of narcotics into professional circles. The operation, led by the STF's B team, targeted John Paul's home on Monday, resulting in the seizure of six high-value drug variants worth an estimated Rs 3 lakh on the street market, marking a significant blow to the city's underground network.

John Paul, a medical professional turned drug consumer and dealer, was promptly arrested at the scene, but three key accomplices—Pramod, Sandeep, and Sharath—remain at large, prompting an intensified manhunt across the region. Officials revealed that Paul, initially ensnared by his own addiction, began collaborating with his associates to fund his habit by offering his discreet residence as a secure storage and sales point, transforming the seemingly ordinary home into the syndicate's nerve center for processing and peddling contraband.

The investigation exposed a well-oiled supply chain, with Pramod, Sandeep, and Sharath procuring bulk quantities of narcotics from major cities like Delhi and Bengaluru before funneling them to Paul's Musheerabad address. There, Paul not only stored the illicit goods but also handled direct sales to clients identified by the trio, receiving free access to the drugs as compensation for the risks involved. This arrangement allowed the group to evade detection for months, exploiting the doctor's legitimate cover to mask their activities in a bustling urban neighborhood.

Also Read: Telangana Bus-Truck Collision: Grieving Father Loses Three Daughters in Fatal Crash

Acting on credible intelligence, the STF team stormed the premises and was taken aback by the sheer volume and diversity of controlled substances concealed within, including 26.95 grams of premium OG Kush cannabis, 6.21 grams of MDMA ecstasy, 15 LSD sticks, 1.32 grams of cocaine, 5.80 grams of Gummus, and 0.008 grams of hashish oil. These high-potency items, popular among partygoers and professionals alike, underscored the syndicate's focus on lucrative, demand-driven inventory that catered to Hyderabad's elite and youth demographics.

This raid serves as a stark reminder of the growing nexus between addiction and organized crime in urban India, with authorities now probing deeper connections to potential medical supply chains and interstate networks. As the STF continues its pursuit of the fugitives, enhanced surveillance and inter-agency coordination are being ramped up to prevent similar operations from resurfacing, urging the public to report suspicious activities and reinforcing the commitment to eradicating drug menace from the heart of Telangana's capital.

Also Read: Telangana Cracks Down on Highway Eateries, Shuts Hotels Over Filthy Conditions